Professional-grade ceramic coatings—the kind dealers apply before they deliver a car, or detail shops will apply for hundreds of dollars—are typically very concentrated (usually >80 percent SiO2) and come in very small bottles. There are other products on the market that have roughly the same chemicals but are far more diluted. These are also called ceramic coatings by their manufacturers. A diluted ceramic coating isn't necessarily inferior to more concentrated solutions, but it does, at least in theory, mean the coating won't last as long over time—an important detail that is at the heart of this very test. Ceramic coatings offer a better level of protection against environmental hazards and damage from the sun's UV rays than traditional wax. They also offer resistance to chemical stains and a certain degree of scratch resistance, giving the car a high-gloss finish and making it easier to clean. Can I use ceramic coating on matte or satin finishes? We'll start by evaluating our experience applying these products. We're also going to take a deep dive, in hopes of clearing up some confusion over what ceramic coatings are, what they aren't, and if you need one. It's worth reiterating that alongside each product below is simply a summary of our initial experience with it—not a complete review of its abilities. (Yet.) Stay tuned for updates.

Strictly speaking, the coating itself doesn't necessarily require any additional maintenance than a car without a ceramic coating. What is the difference between ceramic coating and wax? The more concentrated solutions are applied by dripping the solution onto included applicators, rubbing the solution into the applicator, and carefully running those applicators across the vehicle's surface in a cross-hatch pattern (first up/down across the surface, then left/right across the surface). These concentrated solutions were quite viscous and had an almost gel-like consistency to them. A ceramic coating does provide a certain level of resistance to minor scratches. However, it's not bulletproof, and severe scratches can still penetrate the coating and damage the paint. How long does a ceramic coating last? First of all: Do-it-yourself nano coating is only something for experienced paint care enthusiasts. If car care with classic waxing is not an option, thoughts turn to do-it-yourself nanopreservation. Applying a nanosealing kit is not entirely hassle-free. Preparing and prepping the surfaces in and on the car require several steps and a great deal of thoroughness. In addition, it is not possible to process the whole car at once. Thus, the procedure must be divided into many small areas. A weekend should be planned for the Do-it-Yourself-nano coating. Between the work steps and treated surfaces the vehicle must stand safely protected. Even with all the care and precision, the durability of a self-produced nano protection is at best between wax and a professional nano coating. The manufacturers of such kits promise an effective period of about one year. However, they also warn against the demanding process of a do-it-yourself nano coating: polishing and degreasing a new car paint requires some experience. Ceramic coatings sit on top of the existing finish of your bodywork or wheels. Ceramic might conjure up images of your nan’s old tea set, but this coating is scientifically engineered to provide premium protection. How to apply ceramic coatingBy comparison, the hybrid ceramic coatings are applied to either a microfiber cloth or pad and then wiped over the surface of a vehicle using the same cross-hatch pattern. These coatings were much less viscous and applying them to the microfiber pads was less precise than the concentrated bottles due to the use of a spray nozzle. Yes. However, as explained above, the process requires an extensive amount of preparation, including thorough cleaning and possibly paint correction. So be prepared to make the fiscal and time commitment to do the job right. Does ceramic coating require maintenance? Ceramic coatings are primarily formulated of silicon dioxide (SiO2) but can also include other additives, such as titanium dioxide (TiO2), to increase their protective qualities and longevity. After you apply and properly cure the ceramic coating, the result is a tough protective layer that should keep everything from bird crap to brake dust at bay. Yes, nearly all ceramic coatings should work on matte or satin finishes. Do note that the paint or wrap could slightly change in look a bit, but it should still maintain the original matte or satin look with the added protection. However, to confirm whether or not it's the look you're going for, we suggest testing out the coating on a small section of the vehicle first, preferably in an area not easily visible. Does a ceramic coating prevent scratches? CRYSTAL CLEAR & PERFECT VISIBILITY: Prevent water moist on your car's windshield and mirrors. An invisible layer is created, which prevents moist from raining, so you don’t have to clean your glass anymore. Also usable on motorcycle helmet visors.

If you want protection against stone chips and the like, a paint protection film is what you need. As for washing your car, dirt will still accumulate over time. A ceramic coating will mean less frequent cleaning, but it won’t eliminate it. Ceramic-based products vary greatly A ceramic coating is like wax because it is an effective protectant. A good ceramic coating can offer better durability than wax with no real trade-off in return. However, it still won’t protect against stone chips, significant scratches, or eliminate the need for washing your car. FAST AND EASY TO USE: Easily remove dirt, pet slobber, grease, fingerprints, sap, bugs and more from glass surfaces such as windshields, windows, and mirrors. Just simply spray to the needed area without buffing required, easy and fast.With proper maintenance, a high-quality ceramic coating product can last for several years. The exact lifespan will depend on various factors like the quality of the product, the preparation and application process, and how the vehicle is maintained. Can I apply a ceramic coating myself? Indeed, as you will see below there is quite a range. Ceramic products for cars vary from spot detailers to strong lacquers. It depends on what you want and how much you care about maintaining your car’s appearance. If you like tidy but aren’t fastidious about it, ceramic car shampoo or detailer will suit you. If you are scrupulous about your car’s appearance and want hardier paint protection, you should consider some of the more serious options. MULTI-PURPOSE: Treat your car windows and rearview mirrors with this waterproof coating agent or apply it to the bathroom glass, dressing mirror, glass door and more to make them much clearer. To test, we split the hood into six sections: one for each ceramic coating product, divided into roughly equal quadrants on the top of the hood, as well as two slivers on the side serving as our non-coated control sections. We carefully applied each coating as instructed on the directions of each product in the Car and Driver garage, using proper safety measures, including personal protective equipment and ventilation. After proper application, the coatings were given roughly 24 hours to cure, per the manufacturers' recommendations. Initial findings